Recommendations For Long Car Journeys

Do long car journeys appeal to you?

Contrary to many people’s beliefs, you do not get tired of sitting behind the wheel while driving. This option is full of benefits, and the most important thing is that you can control everything from start to finish.

Regardless of distance , driving is often cheaper and expands the possibilities of getting to know different routes. Although it is best to make a plan, you can improvise if there are disadvantages or just want to.

Tips for long car trips

To make long car rides fun, you need to think about the following.

1. Plan the route

When you plan ahead, you reduce the chance of something going wrong. Once you have selected the destination, you can calculate distances and enter stops to create a timetable.

Include how the roads you are going to drive on, petrol stations, accommodation and restaurants are located.

2. Read up on the traffic rules if you are going abroad

Support yourself with a traffic safety app. They are useful programs with digital maps and information about local regulations and traffic laws. Some even have translators.

The good thing is that you can download them to a smartphone or tablet, so you always have help.

3. Inspect the vehicle

Make sure the tires are in optimal condition (bring an extra), check the oil level and plan a visit to the car repair shop in advance to check the engine and brakes. It is also important to pay attention to the lights and wipers.

Just like a first aid kit, on long car trips you should have a box with tools for changing tires, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher, a reflective vest, a flashlight, a hydraulic jack and everything you need to drive safely.

4. Have a co-driver

You can take long trips alone, but it is best to have one to take over the wheel when you need it. By switching, you can both rest and drive attentively when it’s your turn.

5. Know the tips to prepare and warn others about your departure

Be careful with this! To avoid theft in your home, do not tell everyone that you are traveling. It will be enough to notify someone close to you who can check your home, water your plants and pick up the mail.

Let them know when you leave and if there are any special instructions before you leave. Go over it with this person so that you are not distracted by conversations on the road.

6. Have the most important things at hand

There are several exceptions with luggage, but it is not good to use too much space in the car. What you should not forget are medicines, food, hygiene items and clothes that suit the weather.

7. Do not drive without resting

Extensive and demanding routes should never be run without rest. This recommendation applies to both the driver and the co-driver. Sleep at least 8 hours the night before, so that physical exhaustion does not weigh you down so much, and you will be able to react in the event of an unforeseen event.

If you travel in a group, those who accompany you in the car have the task of helping to minimize stress.

8. Stop at certain points

The route is more bearable if you approach the destination in sub-destinations. A publication from the European Automobile Commission states that fatigue caused by driving for so many hours in a row makes you sleepy, changes your perception of the environment, worsens psychomotor coordination, changes behavior and affects your response capacity, which can lead to an accident.

9. Bring chargers and put the phone away

Do not use your mobile phone on the road. Do this only in emergencies, for example to communicate with a tow truck. When calling or sending a message, scroll to the page.

Tips for the long-distance driver

As repetitive as it may seem, the importance of rest is important to the driver. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs and relax your muscles every 2 or 3 hours.

Similarly, you should drink plenty of water before you begin your journey and during your drive. Other suggestions are as follows:

• Be sure to bring your driver’s license, insurance papers, driver’s license, etc.
• Consider alternative routes, in case you need them.
• Avoid traveling at night or at times when driving conditions are poor.
• Do not drink alcohol, as it goes without saying that it represents a danger to you and others along the way.
• If you are taking medicines, even if they are on prescription, you should be aware of the side effects.

• Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes; no high heels or stiff soles because they make quick braking difficult.
• Try not to eat large meals, otherwise you may experience heavy digestion.
• Distribute the luggage in such a way that it does not interfere with the dynamic behavior of the car. Do not leave loose objects in the back of the car, as they can cause damage in the event of an accident.

The key to long car journeys is planning

Excitement and adventure are part of what you experience during long car journeys. Do not let them be blackened due to lack of planning. Set aside time to create a preliminary route.

Once the idea is in your head, remember that safety is the most important factor in having a peaceful vacation.

Now that you know the tips for getting to your destination, just pack your suitcase and make the trip an unforgettable experience!